Gene Casey

AIKEN, SC - GAIL EUGENE “GENE” CASEY, 89, died Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.      Mr. Casey, the son of the late George Freeman Casey, Sr. and Mary Charlotte Maddox Casey, was born on September 23, 1924, in Enoree, South Carolina. He graduated from Cross Anchor High School and began working as a doffer at Riverdale Mills.      He proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army 815th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion from 1943 until 1946 in the Central Europe Operation. He came to Aiken in 1951 during the initial construction of the E.I. DuPont Savannah River Plant. He began working in the construction of the facility, and at retirement worked in the Operations Instrument Department. After 40 years with DuPont, he retired in 1991.      In 1952, he brought his bride, Ann McElrath Casey to Aiken. They joined the First Baptist Church of Aiken in 1953. Gene served as an usher in earlier years and until his death served as secretary of his Sunday School Class. Gene's passion was studying and cultivating different plants, especially tomatoes and camellias. One of his greatest joys was presenting an exquisite flower to a loved one or friend.      Survivors include a son, Stephen Brian Casey, Aiken, SC; a daughter, Karen Casey Henshaw (Andrew), Smyrna, GA; two granddaughters, Anna Henshaw Morrison (Zachary), Warner Robins, GA; and Marie Jeanette Henshaw, Smyrna, GA., four sisters, Mary Louise Dedrick, Virginia Laorenza, Maxine Casey, and Janet Casey, two brothers, Olin Casey and Niles Casey. In addition to his parents, Mr. Casey was preceded in death by his wife, Ann McElrath Casey, and his brother, George Freeman Casey, Jr.      The family will receive friends Saturday morning, August 23, 2014 beginning at 10 o’clock in the Parlor of Aiken’s First Baptist Church followed by a memorial service at 11 o’clock in the Sanctuary. The Reverend Dr. Fred W. Andrea III will officiate.      In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church, 120 Chesterfield St., NE, Aiken, SC 29801. SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gene Casey, please visit our flower store.